Astra Model 841 M841 M-841 12 GA SxS Side by Side Double Shotgun, 1958 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1225
LSB#: 210324DL36
Make: Astra
Model: 481
Serial Number: 75987
Year of Manufacture: 1958 (Spanish “D1” Date Code)
Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Shells
Action Type: Top Lever Break Action Side by Side Double Shotgun with Extractors
Markings: The top of the left barrel is marked “Made in Spain”, “NITRO”, and the Astra logo. The top of the right barrel is marked “ASTRA – Unceta & Cia S.A. Guernica Spain” and the Astra logo. The underside of the left barrel is marked with the serial number, “75987”. The underside barrel flats feature various factory stampings and proof marks that include an “D1” Spanish date code, indicating the year of manufacture as 1958. The interior of the forend wood is marked with the serial number, “75987”. The water table is marked with various proof marks and factory stampings as well as the serial number, “75987”. The break lever is marked with the Astra logo. The trigger guard tang is marked “Mo 841” The barrels near the receiver, the receiver, the break lever, the trigger assembly, and the safety switch all feature fine floriate engraving.
Barrel Length: 27 1/2” with Textured Barrel Rib
Choke: Left: Full, Fixed. Right: Modified, Fixed.
Sights/Optics: There is a brass bead fixed to the front of the barrel rib and a mid bead. The top of the rib is textured to reduce glare.
Weight: 7lb, 2.5oz
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece wood with checkered straight grip and splinter forend, fluted straight comb, and a textured black rubber Pachmayr buttpad. There are sling swivels on the belly of the buttstock and on the mid-rib. The right side of the buttstock has a series of minor nicks most notable near the comb. The belly has a few light nicks and dings behind the sling swivel. The forend has a few light nicks on the bottom near the iron. The checkering is well-defined. There are no chips or cracks. The drop at comb is 1 1/2”, the drop at heel is 2 1/4”. The cast is slightly off. The LOP measures 14 1/3” and 13 1/2” from the front of the triggers to the back of the pad and and 13” and 12” to the back of the wood. There is a bit of wear on the heel of the buttpad. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue Barrel Assembly with Case Color Receiver and Forend Iron
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: Both bores are bright and there is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is light thinning on the muzzles of both barrels. The barrels otherwise have scattered minor nicks most notable near the front of the barrels along with a few spots of light surface oxidation on the top of the right barrel. The case color has darkened somewhat and minor thinning is apparent on the lower edges of the receiver. Screws show minor tool marks with strong slots, and markings are mostly clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Very Good-to-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock up is tight with no play. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Astra is a Spanish company known primarily for its pistols. They were an arms maker for nearly 100 years and made firearms for both World Wars as well as commercial markets all over the world. It’s more difficult than one may expect to suss out information on their shotgun production—much of it is anecdotal, mostly the opinions of fans on forums, which range from one extreme to another. Such is the internet of things. In hand, the shotgun feels great, with a tight lock up and smooth mechanics. The bores are bright and there is very little consequential wear—this shogun, once given a look-see by a qualified gunsmith, will make a great water-fowl or sports shooting gun. Good luck and happy bidding!